Avoiding Athlete’s Foot
/Red, scaly skin that’s dry and itchy are the primary signs of athlete’s foot, a condition we see often at Texas Foot Specialists. This fungal infection is spread by direct contact with the fungi and it thrives in dark, damp places. Athlete’s foot requires treatment or it will spread and eventually develop fluid filled blisters that can become quite painful and even infected. The good news is that you can help prevent athlete’s foot with a few simple precautions:
- Avoid going barefoot in public areas such as gyms, locker rooms, showers or community pools. Always wear flip flops or shower shoes.
- If you get pedicures at a salon, be sure they follow proper sanitary procedures for tools and foot baths.
- Wash feet daily with a mild soap and dry completely, especially between your toes, that’s where the infection usually starts. It can also spread to the soles, arches and sides of the feet.
- Never share socks, shoes, towels or any other items that touch someone else’s feet.
- Keep feet dry. If you tend to sweat excessively, change your socks more than once a day.
- Alternate shoes to allow each pair a day to air out.
- Use an anti-fungal powder on your feet daily.
If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, make an appointment at one of our three conveniently located offices: Pasadena, Sugar Land or Houston. Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your feet and prescribe the correct treatment. Usually an anti-fungal medication, either oral or topical, will clear up this fungal infection but there are many different fungi that can cause it so the foot doctor will need to determine the type of fungi in order to treat it properly. As with many foot conditions, the key is not to delay seeking treatment. Contact us at (281) 242-4448 or fill out an appointment request online.